Main Content

How to prepare your home for photography

Get the most out of your Real Estate Photography
THE BEST PHOTOS START WITH A LITTLE PREPARATION.

As storytellers, our photographers capture the essence of every room in the home so clients can actually feel what it’s like to live there. However, we also rely on you, the listing agent, to help us tell this story.

To get the best photos, we recommend scheduling Open Homes Photography services once staging is complete and the home is clean and free of visitors. For example, it’s best to schedule before any broker’s tours or open houses, but after the listing has been properly set up and staged.

Contact us if you’re not sure, and read on for some great tips on getting the best real estate photography in the industry!

EXTERIOR PREPARATION

    Remove cars from your driveway and surrounding the street in front of your home
    Cleanup landscaping (mow lawn, clear leaves, trim shrubs, etc.)
    Remove any clutter from front yard (garden hose, children’s toys)
    Hide trash cans
    Clean pool and hide all cleaning supplies
    Turn ON all water features

INTERIOR PREPARATION

    Thoroughly clean all rooms that will be photographed (vacuum, dust, mop, clean windows)
    Please stow pets away in a safe room that will not be photographed i.e. garage
    Have fireplace running if possible
    Remove any magazines, mail, personal photographs, etc
    Remove any clutter and wipe down tables and counters
    Clear the sink of any dishes
    Store away all phone/tablet chargers

TWILIGHT PREPARATION

    Make sure all interior and exteriors lights are on and all bulbs are in working order and they are the same color (natural, incandescent, etc.)
    Make sure all landscape, exterior and pool lighting are all on and in working order
    Open all blinds and window treatments throughout home
    Make sure to tum on all gas fireplaces throughout home and any outdoor fireplace or fire pits

We strive to offer the best service, but unfortunately, we can’t do it all.

We’re here to help you with your listing, and provide the best photos in the industry. To that end, we are assuming that the property is prepared for us to shoot as is – and that you’ve staged it just the way you want it. This means that Open Homes Photography cannot be responsible for:

    Arranging/moving furniture
    Cleaning or de-cluttering
    Removing trash cans
    Editing vehicles, power lines, cords, etc. out of photographs
    Hiding any personal household items

Credits to: Open Homes Photography

Get Connected With Us
Keep up to date with the latest market trends and opportunities in Oakland.

    I consent to receive SMS messages from The Er Group. I understand that Message and data rates may apply and that I may reply STOP to opt-out of future messaging By submitting, you agree to receive text messages at the provided number from The Er Group. Message frequency varies, and standard message and data rates may apply. You have the right to OPT-OUT receiving messages at any time. To OPT-OUT, reply "STOP" to any text message you receive from us. Reply HELP for assistance.

    Skip to content